YWCA executive director resigns

JANESVILLE—Allison Hokinson has announced her resignation, effective Jan. 1, as executive director of YWCA Rock County for family reasons.

“I have a daughter with cognitive and physical challenges who turns 18 this spring. I really feel I need to be more present during what will be a transitional time for her,” Hokinson said in a news release issued Friday afternoon.

Hokinson was promoted to executive director in February 2011 from public relations director. She said the decision to leave was not easy but was made in the best interest of her family.

“I consider my time here as a gift. I have learned a lot and am grateful for the incredible education I received and the opportunity to work professionally with you,” she wrote in an email.

Hokinson will finish projects before her departure and will help welcome and train the new executive director.

“I will miss being a part of all the wonderful work the YWCA does in our community,” she said.

Hokinson noted in her announcement that during her tenure she helped:

-- Raise revenue through donor relations.

-- Secure new grants for programs.

-- Develop a more efficient staff and program model that enhanced wrap-around services.

-- Implement a bottom-up approach to budget development.

-- Bring finance functions back in house.

-- Manage a change to a team-oriented internal culture.

“I feel I am leaving the YWCA at a good time,” Hokinson said.

“I've achieved many personal goals, and the organization is in great shape as a nonprofit that is poised to continue to grow and succeed,'' she said.

YWCA Board President Jenny Revels said the board of directors would review the job description, organize a search committee and begin taking applications for the position immediately.

The YWCA has done well under Hokinson's leadership, Revels said.

“She is passionate about the mission and the agency … and has done a tremendous job with financial stability," Revels said.